Do you know why the place you live is named what its named?
Some have straightforward origins, while others leave even those who have been there for decades scratching their heads.
Other bits of history that stand out in state and city names are the cases of Seattle and Chicago.
The former means Land of Chief Si’ahl, making it the only major city named after a Native Chief.
French and Spanish colonizers also left an imprint via the names they chose, especially in the southern U.S.
Many states and places are also named after people.
Washington State pays tribute to the first U.S. president, but other places honor more obscure figures.
Learn more about your hometown and your favorite American destinations by exploring the maps below.
what are the origins of the name of the place you live in?
